Winter armor.

Given the long hours that real base miles require, your winter gear ought to be at least as comfortable as the stuff you ride and race in during the peak of your season. The pad should remain comfortable over the course of a five-hour ride. The materials should feature little bulk while maintaining body heat so you don't feel like a first-grader bundled up for a winter's walk to school. The Castelli Sorpasso Bib Knickers are part of Castelli's Rosso Corsa line of products, and as a result they get the Italian manufacturer's very best treatment in materials, design, and fit.

The Sorpasso Bib Knickers begin with Castelli's top-of-the-line Progetto X2 pad, the same pad found in Castelli's best shorts. The top layer that contacts your skin is a made from a seamless, four-way stretch microdenier fabric designed to move in harmony with your body and eliminate the chafing that can come with materials with too little stretch. It receives an antibacterial treatment and is bonded to a variable thickness pad made from multiple density foams; the result is a smoothly contoured pad that places the firmest foam where support is most needed. Perforated inserts help to relieve pressure on the sit bones and perineum -- just where riders experience the greatest pressure.

The front of the knickers are cut from wind-blocking Thermoflex Core Due fabric. This two-layer material traps air in a hollow-core layer of polyester while moisture is transported to the outer nylon/Lycra layer where it can evaporate. A lighter material, Thermoflex, is used for the portions of the tights not exposed to the wind to offer excellent breathability. Giro++ grippers keep both the bib straps and calves in place. It's rare to find knickers that are this light and this warm.

Like the bibs in the Rosso Corsa line, the waist of the Sorpasso Bib Knickers is cut very low to eliminate restrictions on breathing caused by pressure on the belly.

The Castelli Sorpasso Bib knickers are Black/white and are available in six sizes from Small through XXX-Large.

Comment on Tyler S.'s review:

not worth the money

Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: medium

These knickers run 1-2 sizes to small compared to my other Euro branded bib knickers(Rapha, De Marchi). also disappointed in the construction; not flat seams, big 4 way seam joint in the bottom under the chamois, the "bib" part seemed like an afterthought. buy something else.

Comment on John C.'s review:

Not bad. Not great.

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

The title sums up my thoughts on these knickers. They're not terrible, but they're not effin' fabulous either.

Seeing as the last reviews are from last winter/spring, I'm assuming the bibs I got are from the '14/'15 season and no one has reviewed the newer ones yet. Some of the things addressed in earlier reviews seem to be resolved, but not all.

Sizing: Yeah, they run small. I'm 5'11 155lbs. The other Castelli Items I've got all fit great in a medium, even the slim and snug San Remo Speedsuit. I ordered the medium, and am sticking with it, but I can't put on any winter pounds...

Chamois: Super comfy. I haven't noticed it being abnormally forward as some previous reviews had mentioned. If I was sitting upright on a beach cruiser, it might be a bit too far forward, but I'm not.

Stitching: When I first put them on, I did hear the popping that others have heard. A bit disconcerting, yes. As of now, about two months after purchasing and plenty of riding, I haven't noticed any stitching issues, but time will tell.

Tags: Castelli!!! Why would you sew the inner tags STRAIGHT INTO THE GARMENT!? I don't want those things scratching my back, so I'm going to take them out, but I cant without undoing the actual stitching. Shame on you.

Waist: Maybe it's because they're so snug, but it is hard to take a piss with these on.

Windproffness: Meh. There's a bit of a chill on fast descents, but for general riding they do okay, but just okay.

Bib straps: I don't like 'em too much. I have a hard time getting them to lay flat. That being said, I haven't noticed them being annoying while riding.

Lettering: No, I don't like being a billboard for free. However, the large branding doesn't affect my riding at all. It's still on there after a handful of washes, but I don't expect it to last, not that it's a huge concern.

Three stars because they work, but there are some things that need to be tweaked.

Comment on Owen Caprell's review:

What the sizing Castelli?

Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

HUGE Castelli fan here. Worn multiple jerseys and multiple bib shorts and bib knickers. Ordered these in medium, the same as all my other Castelli gear (and others) and could not fit them over my thighs! Say what?

Comment on Mike Mortenson's review:

Huge disappointment

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

It pains me to say this because I am a loyal Castelli customer, but after 2 seasons of trying to love these, it's time I admit that I hate 'em. The Progetto X2 chamois is the best on the market imo but it's way too far forward in these knickers and doesn't cover my sit bones at all in the saddle. I'm constantly adjusting it on the bike, trying to pull down in front and pull up in back. As a result of all that pulling, I've popped several stitches in the thighs. Also, the leg grippers don't hold (and I have large calves), especially on long seated climbs. They eventually ride up to knee level and, again, I'm constantly adjusting them on the bike. The hallmark of a great pair of bibs is you don't even think about them while riding. Well, that's certainly not the case with these.

Comment on James H.'s comment:

wanted to love them - but

Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

Fit: Runs small

I tried three different pairs - I had seams split on two in basically the same spot while just trying on (one L and one XL). Seam seperation on the Left thigh where the white accent is and across the front center

The second L didn't split immediately but was a bit tight and I didn't have high hopes for long term performance.

Ended up sending them back. I did buy the Ergo Castelli and those are fine......

Comment on Stacey P.'s review:

Wind rips through.

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I'd hope for a lot from these knickers. I really like Catelli as a brand - it is preferred to ride/race in. The Progetto X2 chamois is one of my favorite to saddle up with and this was a massive selling point. The chamois live up to my expectations, and that was all that did.

The fit was fine, a racer fit for certain. (Large - 6 feet, 175 - 165 lbs, 32 inch waist, 42 long coat) I found no real problem with the cut or fit, however, I do feel the waist could be reinforced. The straps are something I'm not used to (they are not the customary mesh), but fit fine.

The quality was a bit lacking as it seemed the black lycra was rather thin allowing the red fleece to show through. The stitching was clearly not windproof, and this was the reason I opted to return them. I wanted something that could handle the winds we can get on the Colorado Plateau 3 seasons a year. The first ride I wore these I could feel the 25 mph winds rip through the seams-temp was 44. After 15 miles I was numb "below the belt" and along the seam lines. I also purchased the Capo GS-13 Roubaix Carbon Bibs, and these with windproof knee warmers beat the Soprasso Knickers.

I really wanted these knickers to work out-the fleece was thick and I'm sure warm. I realize they are not listed as windproof, but I have other knickers and winter bibs that do a far better job at keeping me warm on those cold/cool days 3 seasons a year.

Comment on ABQMUFC's review:

Needs lots of improvement

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

My third piece of Castelli kit, (recently bought) and I seriously doubt that Castelli will see any more of my money. Overall quality control in this Moroccan-made bib-knicker is way below what an item of this price should be. Like everyone else's, the lettering is coming off after three times thru the hand-wash cycle. After each washing, more loose stitches are found. The shoulder straps are ridiculous, might as well have used bungee cords. The Progetto X2 chamois pad was sewn so far forward, it's really of no use at all in providing any comfort, totally misses the sit bones, and much too thin to begin with. Note to Castelli : The same size chamois pad used in an extra-small does not translate well to an extra-large. To their credit however, the stretch flannel-like material does do a pretty good job of keeping the wind out & the legs warm on cool, early-morning rides. Just not long ones.

Comment on Jeff Kennedy's review:

You would think companies would make 2 or 3 different size chamois pads for the array of sizes. It's odd a company (not just Castelli) would expect one pad to work in a XS and XXXL. I've had good luck with Castelli's Kiss3 pad for big guys. It seems to be sewn a little further back and feels longer too. Might be worth a try.

Comment on TheTodd's comment:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Comfortable, look great, poor quality

I have used these about 15 times. I have to say they are the most comfortable knickers I have ever worn. Once on, they don't feel tight or uncomfortable anywhere, now I know why girls like wearing leggins so much.

The first time I put them on, I did heard the popping sound everyone is talking about, although I didn't notice anything. After a couple of times I started noticing that the lettering started to come off, that is a little disappointing. I know the letters can't stay on they are just stuck to the fabric, but I was expecting at least 1 full season. Today when I put them on again I started noticing that the stitching on the left leg where the white stripe is, started to come apart. I will send these back and try to get a new pair, hoping the new pair will be better as I have never had such comfortable tights. I have been in 3-5 hour rides without any comfort problem.

Temperature:

I tend to be able to ride in really cold temperatures but I have worn these from 25 to 60 degree weather, in the rain and snow, never feeling cold where the fabric is covering my skin.

Fit:

I am 5'7" 175lbs and I wear a L. With Castelli I always wear large though, so for me getting a large was quite normal.

Aside from the quality flaw they do look amazing, I hope the new pair will last longer. If they do, these are a must have!

Comment on Conrad Rodas's review:

Poor Quality Control

I have a lot of Castelli clothing. I ordered these in late November and didn't have a chance to use them until late December because it had been too warm. Anyway on the first ride I noticed faulty stitching at the top of the white flash on the left leg. On getting home and looking closer I see it is cause by the machinist not fully overlapping a seam join. I sent them back and got a replacement - exact model and size hoping it was a one off. On receiving the new pair they have the exact same fault in exactly the same place. Looking further at them, these have 2 other areas of faulty\incomplete stitching The red tape at the stomach is not stitched properly so it forms a hole and the Progetto X2 chamois is not stitched together properly. Needless to say these are also going back. This particular Castelli item is made in Morocco - must be poor quality control but very disconcerting.. As I said I have many other items of Castelli clothing and these have all been excellent. Not sure if I should risk a 3rd try?

Comment on Pete Gomersall's review:

good tights

Familiarity: I've used it several times

i got a pair of these last season and wore them a few times. They are very comfortable and do a great job in keeping the cold out. They do run a size small so i would suggest sizing up on them. over all a good pair of tights

Comment on WesB's review:

Weird sizing, but great when they fit

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I am 5'7", weigh 155, have a 31" waist. What size do I wear? Large. Even at that size my initial thought was that they were too small. However after a couple of wearings they have stretched out nicely and fit quite comfortably. I did experience, as some have mentioned, that popping sound like fabric tearing. However, a careful perusal of the garment shows no damage.

These are great looking knickers, very warm and comfortable, but you have to figure at least one size larger than you wear normally, even within the Castelli line. I own a pair of Castelli Ergo Knickers and Ergo Shorts, both in Medium, so there in no correlation between models and sizing. Get the right size and you will love them.

Comment on Gene Kriegsmann's review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Great for cool weather riding

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Appearance and Fit: As with all Castelli items, you should probably size up if you have any quads at all. I have a 29" waist and took a medium--a perfect fit (see photo). The tights are smart-looking and tasteful. Even if you haven't graduated yet from the tricycle, you'll look like a pro wearing these.

Functionality: Knickers are for those days when its too cold for shorts but full tights would have you overheating. Castelli rates the Sorpasso knickers for rides in 54-68 degrees, but you can actually go much cooler. I've worn these on a 7am ride with clear skies and a 10mph wind when it was 40 degrees and felt perfectly comfortable the entire ride--dry and warm, but not hot. I can only see wearing these on the upper end of the temperature range if it was cloudy and windy out. The pad was like sitting on a cloud, it was that soft--I practically didn't even notice it. The Louis Garneau tights I have feel bulky and cumbersome compared to these--the Sorpassos are nearly as unobtrusive as Castelli's riding shorts. This is what you're paying for. With these knickers, you'll have gear that not only looks good but you hardly notice it's there.

Comment on Brad Tipp's review:

Well Made

Only have a couple of miles on these knickers tonight, but so far I love them. Comfortable, nice pad and well designed. They feel great on your legs. Had to return my first pair for a larger size: I'm 6'0" and 188 and usually wear a 34 in jeans. Trying on the large I felt like I was tearing the stitching. The XL fit perfectly.